Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has named his greatest XI made up of individuals he played alongside or against in his stellar 18-year first-class career.
Ponting has selected five Australians, two West Indians, one each from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa.
The XI features a heavy smattering of Australians five in all, but perhaps unsurprising from an era where Australia dominated all forms of cricket. Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara was nominated to be the captain of this all-star XI, and described by Ponting as “one of the modern–day greats”.
He further added that Kumar is a very determined player, loved winning and gave his team every opportunity to win when he was out in the middle.
He classified Kumar as a great leader of men, and that’s the reason why Ricky Ponting named Sanga as team captain.
Ponting’s All-Time XI
1. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
2. Justin Langer (Australia)
3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
4. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
5. Brian Lara (West Indies)
6. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka, captain)
7. Adam Gilchrist (Australia, wicketkeeper)
8. Shane Warne (Australia)
9. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
10. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)
11. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
